Menu Planning (Pantry Challenge!)

Thanks to Jessica's challenge- http://goodcheapeats.com/2012/01/january-meal-planning-the-pantry-challenge/ ...I am going to save a few bucks and challenge myself to use what I have on hand in the pantry and freezer this month. Yes, I will still buy fresh milk, eggs, cheese, fruits and veggies.  But I am also going to try to use some things that I might not normally reach for in my pantry so nothing goes to waste. :)

I had a bit of a hard time planning for the whole month.  I am sure I will end up moving things around or changing things if I find a fun new recipe to try or end up buying different meats or items at the store. BUT...I like a plan and here is what I came up with based MOSTLY on what we have here. 

I will also add in some sides of veggies and fruits depending on what I buy each week at the store. :)

Here is the plan in order on my calendar starting Monday, Jan.2nd.
~Leftovers (LOL! What a way to start, huh? But we have several things to get rid of in the fridge right now!)
~Grilled Cheese and Crockpot Tomato Soup (new recipe)
~Asian Sesame Noodles (I have a tasty recipe the kids love...I will share if I remember to get a photo!)
~Fish tacos, pinto beans
~Pancakes (either oatmeal or banana nut)
~Homemade pizza
~Taco Pasta (new recipe...will probably leave out the cream or use milk)
~ Burrito Bowls (rice, beans, leftover turkey from the freezer, lettuce, salsa, etc.)
~Grilled Cheese and Soup (Not sure what kind of soup yet.  Maybe some leftover from the freezer or maybe I will make some fresh.)
~Star Hitched Chicken (crockpot) burritos (salsa, chicken and cream cheese in the crockpot...easy and tasty!)
~Cheeseburger rice (new recipe...from a magazine)
~ Pasta with red sauce,
~ Crock pot chicken cacciatore (new recipe), salad
~ Chili (leftover in the freezer) and rice
~Thai curry chicken, rice, veggie
~ Crockpot taco style lentils and rice-burritos (simple recipe but yummy!)
~Split pea and ham soup, homemade bread (my favorite and one of the easiest pea soup recipes!)
~ Chicken Masala, rice, veggie
~ Southwest taco pie (A pampered Chef recipe...we have had this before and liked it but that was ages ago!)
~Burritos (again...yes.  My kids will eat almost anything if it is in a burrito) with sprouted beans and enchilada sauce
~Turkey, stuffing, gravy, rolls, etc. (I have a huge turkey in the freezer I need to defrost and cook!)
~ Black bean soup
~ Ravioli, red sauce
~ Waffles and sausage (i have a couple of yummy waffle recipes!  I need to get on the ball with food photos and recipes again!)
~ Chicken and rice burritos
~ Coconut Curry Shrimp, rice, veggie
~ Chicken Parmigiana, salad (really yummy recipe!)
~ Turkey barley soup, homemade bread

WHEW! So, we'll see how well I can stick to this plan.  Or not. ;) The point is going to be to use up some items and cook in this month.  Think I can make it the whole month without getting take out or going out?? :)

Happy menu planning!  For more menus, visit www.orgjunkie.com .